A Prayer and Fasting Devotional
Participating in a time of fasting and praying is both rewarding and challenging. Rewarding because we can honor God and witness change all around us, but challenging because of the uncomfortable adjustments that must be made for effectiveness. More often than not, the sacrifice made in fasting and praying takes center-stage in our lives and we inadvertently overlook areas within ourselves that stymie growth, limit our witness, and/or grieve our Heavenly Father. God surveys the heart, and it’s for this reason we must ensure our convictions for Christ are not eclipsed by issues of character, integrity, or even morality.
I think about the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14. He stood before God and championed his piety while condemning others around him. On the other hand, a self-identified sinner would not even look up toward heaven but beat his chest and cried out for mercy from God. Somehow the Pharisee lost perspective and celebrated himself, whereas from the sinner’s humility he was justified. God has not changed, He is still “near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Which means during this time of consecration, individually and personally, we must examine our hearts, that is, acknowledge areas of pride, self-imposed religion or false humility; then, humble ourselves with repentance for those and any other hidden sins that serve as a snare.
Sin doesn’t have to be egregious to warrant correction. It’s “the little foxes that spoil the vines” (Song of Songs 2:15). For example, Proverbs 14:14 says, “The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways.” There are plenty of unassuming and easily dismissed attitudes, behaviors, or iniquities that insidiously conflict with our confession for Christ, and gnaw at convictions until our hearts are astray, even when our works are credible.
Thus, we cannot afford to let this time of fasting and praying begin or end without honest introspection. For the pure in heart shall see God, therefore, we must ask the tough questions: Are there areas of self-righteousness within me that need to be addressed? Are there perpetual faults that are causing me to stumble? Am I procrastinating in accomplishing something God has clearly assigned me to do? Am I really placing full trust in God or on human ingenuity and/or ability?
If we can manage these questions sincerely, then we’re on our way toward revival of heart, and our time of fasting and praying will allow God to speak clearly to us so that our impact is both powerful and measureless.
Qwynn Gross
Ministry Fellow at Princeton
